Rookie team finds its leader

Inaugural women’s water polo team gets inspired by player nding her calling

David Schub/ Roundup dschub.roundupnews@gmail.com

Being in the pool is like a therapy session for Pierce College water polo player Sam Buliavac.

It has become a place where she can forget all of her problems for the time being and with a ball in hand, she feels she can do whatever she wants.

Buliavac, who has helped with an undefeated record for the women’s rookie water polo team, is finishing up their first season at Pierce. With a hopeful win against Ventura College this Wednesday, they have the chance to go to conference playoffs. By the start of Buliavac’s freshman year at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, her parents expected her to get involved in an extracurricular activity. Having a love for being in the water, she decided on the competitive sport of water polo.

“I didn’t think water polo would be as difficult as I thought it was,” said Buliavac, but I’m so glad I tried it.”

During her junior year of high school, her talent and skill had improved drastically when she became more involved in the sport by playing for the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club in Pasadena.

“Club has taken me to a better level,” Buliavac said. “It really makes a difference.

With college coaches scouting at club games to find the best players for their teams, Pierce College coach and Olympic athlete Moriah

Van Norman, knew she found her next player.

“I heard quite a bit about her from club coaches and it was exciting to finally see her play,” said Van Norman.

The team practices daily from 1 to 3 p.m. where they learn a combination of physical and mental skills of the game. Practices teach the main components of the game with three important words consisting of “creating (by getting ahead of the opponent), reading (the play to look for an advantage over the opponent), and attacking(that advantage).”

“Coach works us hard during practice but its worth it,” Buliavac always makes us keep trying no matter what and has the ability to lift our spirits.”

While the team supports each other and has bonded, Buliavac and Kurzeka, in particular, have become close, and are each others biggest competition.

“Our friendship has grown throughout the year, but I try to beat her to the finish with more blocks and goals,” said Kurzeka.

As with any family there can be moments of rage. A few weeks ago there was a minor physical altercation in the pool as Kurzeka purposely bumped her arm into Buliavac’s face and left some bruises.

“I did feel bad afterwards, but with words of wisdom, an apology and hugs, we made up quickly,” Kurzeka said. “Even with fights, we are always there for each other no matter what.” said. “I am always motivated by hard coaches and I always do my best to impress her.”

Buliavac’s teammates look up to her and her coach relies on her in the pool and on ground.

With her dominating skills in the water playing set position (like a quarterback in football), Buliavac is the go-to girl, although admitting she isn’t the fastest of swimmers she has a strong arm, knowledge of her position and of the game which makes up for it.

Teammate Maggie Kurzeka and Coach Moriah both agree Buliavac is a great motivator and has become one of the most dominant players on the team.

“She is a great addition to the team,” said Kurzeka. “She never gives up when we mess up, she

“Sam has a strong voice and I depend on her to relay plays from land to water to her teammates. She is great at being a second coach in the water,” said Van Norman.

Not only is water polo important to Van Norman, she places education high up on the list as well and wishes the best for all of her players to become productive members of society.

“I have high expectations for Sam, she has the opportunity to get into a four-year college or university with a full scholarship,” said Van Norman.

Buliavac hopes to get into Arizona State University where she will continue playing water polo and major in kinesiology.